P. Strawson

Question 1

Pessimists IF determinism if true…

Answer 1

Then concepts of moral responsibility/blame have no application
- Not just punishment/ moral condemnation (if actions not free)

Question 2

Optimists - IF determinism is true

Answer 2

Then reason for punishment, blame, etc. still holds
- Justify punishment because effective to ensure compliance with social rules

Question 3

What are reactive attitudes

Answer 3

Attitudes + reactions of people involved in a transaction with one another

Question 4

What is a positive reaction

Answer 4

(E.g., gratitude, admiration, pride)
- Positive reaction to praiseworthy/good action

Question 5

What is negative reaction?

Answer 5

• E.g resentment, indignation, shame
• Negative reaction to blameworthy/wrong action

Question 6

What are the conditions for resentment

Answer 6

• Quality of the Will
• Lack of appropriate agency

Question 7

• Quality of the Will (Type A)

Answer 7

• Negative reactive APPROPIATE when action manifests ILL-WILL
• Appropriate excuses: she didnt mean to, she was forced

Question 8

Lack of Appropriate Agency (Type B)

Answer 8

• Negative reactive attitude INAPPROPRIATE because agent psychological abnormal or morally underdeveloped
• Sample cases: children, severe mental disorders